Monday, October 29, 2012

Going to an Auction


 It had been decades since I attended an auction so I was thrilled when two friends recently invited me to go to one at Fontaine's Auction Gallery in Western Massachusetts.


Going to an auction is quite a fascinating experience.  



One sees an amazing number of items, some gorgeous, some strange or unique, and others absolutely amazing. 




 It's always fun to think what one would buy if money were no object.  


It's also humorous to see items one thinks are rather, uh,  unappealing but that others find attractive! Such is the nature of human beings!

The very beautiful Victorian styled sofas, shown at the top of this post,  did not go up for auction on the day I attended.

This porcelain set, shown below, went home with a new owner.

Here are some other images seen that day in the auction gallery.



 It was a great way to spend an entire morning. There was even an afternoon session just beginning as we left!

 On another upcoming post, I'm going to show you a 12-foot grandfather's clock that's going to be offered to the public during a November 17th auction at Fontaine's. 

It is nothing short of incredible so stay tuned!


By the way, Fontaine's has a website you can visit. Just go  to www.FontainesAuction.com     

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO AN AUCTION? IF NOT, WOULD  YOU LIKE TO GO?

P.S. Don't know what's going to happen with Hurricane Sandy the next couple of days. So if I'm unable to post you'll know why.

I think New York is supposed to get hit badly so God help all those people.
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14 comments:

  1. Heirloom treasuresOctober 28, 2012 at 7:07 PM

    I'm not sure that I like the sofa,a bit elaborate for my taste,and the writers bureau is so unusual with a mirror back. I have been to an auction but only to see if I had won what I had bid for on line. The dealers seem to make it impossible to win anything.xx

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  2. middle childOctober 28, 2012 at 7:35 PM

    Please tell me that the new owner of the porcelean set is you.
    After my dad died in 2004, I had his things auctioned off. I was hooked!!!! I got such amazing deals! Best was a 14k vintage diamond solitaire that was advertised as 1/4 c. I knew it was larger than that. Anyway, for whatever reason I won it for $150. I had it appraised at my jewelers and it was 1/2 c. and appraised at $2000!!! I went several more times but finally quit as I had no more "play" money.

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  3. GlendaOctober 28, 2012 at 8:15 PM

    I do not go to any "elegant" auctions, although I find them fascinating! I must say, that sofa at the top reminded me of the "ugliest sofa" contest that a slipcover company conducts annually! I suppose such a piece would look really great in the right setting, but that would not be my apartment! Looking forward to seeing your upcoming posts! :-)

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  4. SusanOctober 28, 2012 at 9:36 PM

    I went to an auction that was similar to this one with some friends years ago. Serious people go that have done their research and bid for objects that they MUST have. I'm one of those people who like to wander upon something unique and not fighting for it!
    My daughter lives in New Jersey, just outside of NY and we're holding our breath for good news for everyone. No work or school tomorrow so I won't have to worry about commuting for them. Stay safe, XOXO

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  5. NellieOctober 29, 2012 at 5:05 AM

    Susan, I'm sending along thoughts and prayers to all of you in the northeast who are going to be impacted by Sandy.

    There was a time a few years ago that we would go to auctions rather regularly. We never seemed to see treasures like you have photographed, though.

    Take care, and stay safe!

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  6. UnknownOctober 29, 2012 at 5:24 AM

    Beautiful items there Susan, can understand that you enjoyed being there. I loved the large mirrors.
    sometimes we get the tail of hurricanes on the east coast of the US. Will keep you all in my thoughts.

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  7. BookieOctober 29, 2012 at 5:37 AM

    This is a pretty fancy auction! Most I have been to around here have much more common looking items.

    I have wondered about you, how close you are to the rage of this coming storm. I watched yesterday about all the warnings and they scared me to death just hearing abouot the possiblities.

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  8. Chatty CroneOctober 29, 2012 at 6:44 AM

    Oh I wish you and pray for your safety there - you are really going to be in Sandy's path.

    I have never been to a real auction like that. I do wonder sometimes what people see in things - but what is one man's junk is another man's treasure.

    BE SAFE.
    sandie

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  9. diane.stetsonOctober 29, 2012 at 10:19 AM

    I have never attended such an auction..it's not my thing at all. I am trying to downsize and get rid of things at my house. Loved looking at all those items though.
    Keep safe from the hurricane!

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  10. Linda @ A La CarteOctober 29, 2012 at 11:15 AM

    I've never been to an auction and while I think it looks fun I think it would be easy to spend too much!
    xo linda

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  11. MerlesworldOctober 29, 2012 at 1:45 PM

    No I have never been to an auction, I do like the show on TV Bargin Hunt where they auction off stuff and try and make a profit, that is rare usually they make a loss. I cant't see the sofa in my loungeroom but the third one down the plate my mum had a biscuit tin with the same picture on it.
    Merle....

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  12. Lady LindaOctober 29, 2012 at 4:23 PM

    I love auctions. We used to go a lot when we were youngers.
    Have been thinking about you all day...hope you will be ok with this big storm.
    Love,
    Linda

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  13. DeeOctober 30, 2012 at 3:30 PM

    I have never been to an auction...YET :)Looks like fun.

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  14. Gina @ VictorianWannaBeAugust 17, 2013 at 9:14 PM

    Now that's my kind of auction! I love antique furniture. I like that gilt tall mirror.

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